The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a warning to those planning to travel to Turkey after a bomb blast in Istanbul.
At least four people were killed as a result of the explosion, while a further 36 were injured in the blast which struck Istiklal Street, an area lined with shops, cafes, restaurants and foreign consulates.
On their website, the DFAT has advised that those wishing to travel to Turkey should "exercise caution. The threat from terrorism in Turkey remains high".
A statement from Minster Charlie Flanagan TD said that "I am deeply saddened by today’s horrific bomb attack in central Istanbul.
"I have spoken to Ambassador Brendan Ward in Turkey and can confirm that we are aware of a number of Irish citizens among the injured. An Embassy official is on the ground in Istanbul to provide consular assistance."
It comes as Turkey is on edge after two suicide bombings in the capital, Ankara, including one earlier this month that killed 37 people.
Image: Security forces secure the area near the scene of an explosion in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, March 19, 2016. Emrah Gurel / AP/Press Association Images
Another attack in the city in February killed 29 people.
Both of those attacks were claimed by a Kurdish militant group that is an off-shoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.
Anyone with concerns for Irish citizens in Turkey can call (01) 408-2000 or the embassy in Ankara on 00-90-312-459-1000, while Minister Flanagan also urged those who are in the area to "please follow the instructions of the police and local authorities."
